Brightness Spectrum click a mode to explore it

Each mode branches off Ionian by a single altered note. Lydian is one degree brighter (♯4); the rest grow progressively darker as more notes lower.

brighter darker

Key

View As

Label

Chord Chart Click any chord to hear it

Ionian

Neutral

No alterations

Happy, light, calm.

All Keys in Lydian

Example Progressions from Chapter 18 · click any chord or press Play

Mode Comparator drag to reorder · click any note to hear it

Compare modes side by side in the same key. Altered scale degrees (different from Ionian) are marked; the characteristic pitch of each mode glows orange.